Regolith Simulant

As measured during preparation for the 2007 Regolith Excavation Challenge, it is about 1.9 kg/L. We plan on using the same process for compaction in 2008 and expect the compaction ratio to be similar. Please know that this is a different measurement from relative density or specific gravity. It is expected that the compaction will vary through the depth of the regolith and across the area of the sandbox.

We will be using approximately the same quantity of JSC-1A as was used last year. When considering an autonomous lunar excavation scenario, there will be areas that can be excavated to an indeterminate depth and areas where an obstacle may be encountered at a very shallow depth. For this reason, the excavation hardware should not depend on a specific depth of regolith.

This is not defined intentionally, allowing for the possibility that the surface is not flat or level, much like the surface of the moon. We will be using a preparation process similar to last year.

We do not have a recommended substitute for JSC-1A. It has several unique properties which are not replicated by most materials.

We are not able to do this, but JSC-1A can be obtained from Planet LLC. Their web address is http://www.planet-llc.com/pages/products/simulant.htm